Finally Spring

After a long winter we ventured out and about on Saturday to explore our State in the Springtime weather. Many conversations and consultations of our Hiking WV book (Thanks J&A!) led us to the Canyon Rim trail of the Blackwater River. The trail ambled for about four miles through a forest with all the fresh signs of Spring.  

As Daniel and I were enjoying the warm, fresh air and all the budding trees and flowers, the dogs were enjoying their favorite part of this Spring time weather...the mud of the ephemeral streams.

Before turning back for the car, we took a break to overlook the Canyon and relax in the sun.

Here's hoping for many more chances to explore Wild and Wonderful West Virginia!

Happy Birthday

For Daniel's birthday we spent yesterday cross country skiing at Cooper's Rock outside of Morgantown. This was a completely new sport for me, but I willingly braved the cold and headed out on my rented skis.

After a little warm-up lesson in our neighborhood, I got the hang of it. A friend of ours described it as "just like walking, except more fluid." As I was learning the basics Daniel had it all figured out and liked to show off his skills from time to time. After all he was the pro since this was his third time out.

Surprisingly, after a couple of hours I was really enjoying myself and felt a lot braver. The problem was that I still hadn't quite mastered turning, stopping without falling, and going down hills. However, that didn't stop me from trying.

Oh well...falling in the snow is actually fun too so it didn't matter that I didn't know how to turn and stop.

Such a great way to spend a nice winter's day. And a very Happy Birthday to my sweet husband.